Our Navy Today - Volume 7 Issue 2

HMCS Charlottetown returns from NATO's largest exercise in decades

After 37 days at sea for Exercise Steadfast Defender, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned home March 13.  

Since departing their homeport of Halifax in January, the crew of HMCS Charlottetown participated in Exercises Joint Warrior 24 and Dynamic Guard 24, where they performed intensive anti-submarine warfare training. This included coordinating with allied forces to detect, track and respond to simulated hostile submarine threats.  

They worked closely with Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom—making it the largest NATO exercise in decades.  

These exercises enhance the individual skills of our sailors and foster greater cohesion among NATO allies making us collectively stronger against any threats to our way of life. 

Homecoming: HMCS Margaret Brooke returns from anti-drug mission

After an eventful deployment on Operation Caribbe, HMCS Margaret Brooke returned to familiar shores on March 9.

The ship's arrival marks the end of a crucial mission with the U.S. Coast Guard, where they played a pivotal role in intercepting drug trafficking in the Caribbean region.

During their time at sea, the crew sailed 11,150 nautical miles, spending a total of 48 days on the water. Their efforts culminated in the seizure of 510 kg of cocaine from a smuggling vessel in the Central Caribbean Sea on February 4.

Thanks to the swift action of HMCS Margaret Brooke and their U.S. counterparts, three suspected drug smugglers are now in custody, facing charges of drug trafficking under the jurisdiction of the United States government.

Commanding Officer Commander Nicole Robichaud highlighted the dedication and collaborative spirit of the crew. Their hard work and coordination with U.S. partners showed their commitment to protecting their fellow citizens.

Bravo Zulu to all involved, and a warm welcome home to the crew of HMCS Margaret Brooke!

Canadian-led task force seizes 770 kg of meth

Acting on intelligence provided by the Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, U.S. Coast Guard cutter (USCGC) Glen Harris intercepted a dhow in the Arabian Sea on March 5, where they seized 770 kg of methamphetamine.

“I am extremely proud of the work of the Combined Task Force 150 team and USCGC Glen Harris in preventing these drugs from reaching their final destination,” said Canadian Navy Captain Colin Matthews, Commander CTF. “This interdiction demonstrates the value of multinational efforts within the Combined Maritime Forces to prevent and disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations at sea.”

Canada’s contribution to CTF 150 bolsters international safety to protect the free flow of commerce and deter illegal activity on the high seas.

HMCS Max Bernays sets sail: A landmark moment for Canada's AOPVs

On March 11 HMCS Max Bernays departed from Halifax, N.S. for a 6,750 nautical mile coastal transfer via the Panama Canal to its new homeport of Esquimalt, B.C.

Capable of longer operations in challenging Arctic conditions, HMCS Max Bernays will join Canada’s western fleet to amplify our capabilities in the region and improve support for the Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay communities. It will also enhance safety and security in the Indo-Asia Pacific region by supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as surveillance and interception of illegal smuggling.

NEP rounds up inaugural year 

The Naval Experience Program (NEP) has completed its first year with 160 active participants and over 500 more in the recruitment process. 

Several participants received a variety of at-sea experience by joining HMC Ships for operations and exercises.  

Participants also have access to diving, swimming and boarding courses, enhancing their readiness for naval operations. 

Feedback from participants has been positive, highlighting the program's effectiveness in preparing them for a variety of naval careers. Stay tuned for future updates!  

William Hall affiliated with regions of Inuit Nunangat 

On March 24, members of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall ship’s company held a Northern Affiliation ceremony with the Kivalliq Inuit Association and community leaders in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. The event marked the fourth affiliation between an AOPV and a region of Inuit Nunangat.

Ship affiliations with the communities of the Inuit Nunangat strengthen our understanding of the Arctic region and encourage relationship-building with Canada’s Northern communities.

Newest ships find their sponsors

Selecting a ship sponsor is a time-honoured tradition. A sponsor makes a lasting connection to the ship throughout its service, fostering a supportive bond with its crew. 

Two individuals have been selected to be sponsors for the upcoming HMC Ships Protecteur and Frédérick Rolette, each bringing a profound commitment to their respective roles, embodying this esteemed naval custom. 

Teri McKinnon will serve as the sponsor of HMCS Protecteur. Her appointment stems from her ability to unite people and drive positive change in community improvement in her extensive volunteer work, leadership roles and community initiatives.  

Hélène Châtillon will assume the role of sponsor for HMCS Frédérick Rolette due to her familial connection to its namesake, her ancestor. As a teacher and advocate for the arts, Hélène embraces the power of education and creativity to foster inclusivity and cultural appreciation. Her deep-rooted commitment to celebrating diversity aligns with the RCN’s values, making her an ideal choice to honour her family's legacy and support the ship's journey.

Canadian Surface Combatant project anchors new training center  

The Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) project will reshape Canada's naval capabilities, with the most recent being the design of the new Combatant Training and Integration Center – Atlantic (CTIC-A) in Halifax. 

The facility will give sailors access to advanced training systems to prepare them for the upcoming CSC warships. 

Architects, engineers and managers recently gathered to plan the design of CTIC-A.  

Captain (Navy) Matthew Coates and Blair Brown highlighted CTIC’s strategic role in enhancing operational excellence at sea and the need to build in adaptability to future technologies.  

With concept design completion expected by July 2024, the completion of CTIC-A is expected by 2030.